Erase Baking Pan Stains

Brown spots on baking pans are a common occurrence, especially on well-used baking sheets. While some people consider these spots a badge of honour, others may find them unsightly and in need of removal. There are several methods to remove brown stains from baking pans, some of which include the use of household products like baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.

One popular method is to create a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, spread it on the pan, and let it sit for a few hours before scraping off the dried paste and wiping away any remaining residue. Another approach is to fill the sink with hot water, add equal parts baking soda and vinegar, and submerge the baking pan in this mixture for 30 to 60 minutes. After soaking, scrub the pan with a sponge or scouring pad, and then wash it with mild dish soap.

For non-stick pans, it is important to avoid heavy-duty or abrasive scrubbing. Additionally, some people recommend using rolled-up balls of aluminium foil to scrub away burnt-on stains without damaging the non-stick coating.

While it may take some time and effort, these methods can effectively remove brown stains from baking pans, restoring them to a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing state.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

To remove brown stains from your baking pans using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, you can try the following methods:

Method 1:

• Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste.
• Spread the paste across the top of the pan.
• Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
• Wipe the mixture away with a paper towel and water.
• If needed, scrub any remaining sections.
• Clean the pan with regular soap and water to remove any residue.

Method 2:

• Sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the surface of the pan.
• Spray a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda until all the powder is wet.
• Let the mixture sit overnight.
• Use a plastic scraper to scrape off the dried baking soda.
• Wash the pan in warm, soapy water with a scrubby sponge.

Method 3:

• While wearing rubber gloves, soak a damp paper towel or dishcloth with hydrogen peroxide.
• Rub the cloth gently over the surface of the baking pan to saturate it, then lay the cloth flat over the pan to cover it.
• Let the pan sit for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for tough messes.
• Remove the cloth and scrub the pan in hot water using a scouring pad to remove any remaining stains.
• Wash thoroughly with dish soap and rinse in clean water.

Method 4:

• Make a paste with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.
• Scrub the pans, then spread the paste onto any stains.
• After about 2 hours, scrub the mixture off.
• Repeat if necessary.
• Wash the pans with mild soap after treating with the paste.

Baking soda and vinegar

• Start by removing as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Next, fill your kitchen sink with hot water and pour in equal parts baking soda and vinegar (approximately 1/2 cup each).
• Place the pan in the sink and let it soak for 30-60 minutes. The longer you let it soak, the easier it will be to remove the stains.
• After soaking, use a basic kitchen sponge or a nylon scrub brush to scrub away the residue. For non-stick pans, avoid heavy-duty or abrasive scrubbing.
• Finally, wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water, then dry.

You can also try a slightly different method that involves boiling the vinegar and baking soda in the pan. Here is how to do it:

• Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
• Add enough vinegar to cover the bottom of the pan with at least 1/2 inch of liquid.
• Boil the vinegar in the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Remove from the heat and add 1 cup of baking soda. This will create a fizzing reaction, so it might be best to do this in the sink.
• Set the pot aside and wait until all the fizzing and bubbling have stopped.
• Discard the liquid and scrub the pan with a nylon scrub brush or sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary.
• Rinse and dry the pan.

Both methods are effective in removing brown stains from baking pans. The second method is more heavy-duty and is useful for removing stubborn, burnt-on food.

Ammonia

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pans

Place your cookie sheets inside a durable plastic bag, such as a garbage bag. Make sure the bag is large enough to accommodate the pans and can be sealed shut.

Step 2: Add Ammonia

Add 1/2 cup of ammonia to the bag. Be cautious when handling ammonia, as it is a harsh chemical.

Step 3: Seal the Bag and Let it Sit

Seal the bag shut and let it sit out in direct sunlight for a full day. This will allow enough time for the ammonia to soften and react with the grease and food particles on the pans.

Step 4: Open the Bag and Remove the Pans

After a day, open the bag without breathing in the ammonia fumes. Carefully remove the pans from the bag.

Step 5: Scrub the Pans

Using steel wool, scrub the pans to remove the softened stains and food particles. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the pans.

Step 6: Wash the Pans

Finally, wash the sheets thoroughly to remove any remaining ammonia, stains, and food residue. Ensure that you rinse and dry the pans well before using them again.

Aluminium foil

Step 1: Soak the Baking Pan

Firstly, fill your sink with water and submerge the baking pan for an extended period. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food or grease.

Step 2: Prepare the Aluminium Foil

Take a sheet of aluminium foil and bunch it into a ball. Ensure that the foil is scrunched tightly so that it can be used as a scrubber.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Use the balled-up aluminium foil to scrub away any burned spots and stuck-on food. Apply pressure as needed, but be careful not to scratch the surface of the pan.

Step 4: Rinse and Wash

Once you have removed the burnt-on stains, rinse the pan with water to remove any residue. Finally, wash the pan with soap and water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

It is worth noting that while aluminium foil can be effective for removing burnt-on spots, it may require a significant amount of elbow grease. For a more intensive clean, you may want to try other methods such as using baking soda, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide. However, if you have a sheet of foil that would otherwise be discarded, it is worth attempting this method first.

Washing soda and cream of tartar

Step 1: Sprinkle washing soda and cream of tartar onto the pan.

Step 2: Pour a small amount of hot water onto the pan.

Step 3: Mix the ingredients into a paste. You can use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad to help with this step.

Step 4: Spread the paste evenly across the pan. Ensure that all the brown stains are covered.

Step 5: Let the paste sit on the pan for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: After the paste has had time to work, scrub the stains with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. You may need to apply a bit of elbow grease here, but the paste should have loosened the stains, making them easier to remove.

Step 7: Wash the paste and dirt off the pan with water and soap. Rinse the pan thoroughly to ensure that all residue is removed.

And that's it! Your baking pan should now be stain-free and looking as good as new.

Frequently asked questions